The Influence of Weather on Students’ Academic Performance
Probably, all of us have experienced the influence of the weather on our mood and productivity. In most cases, nice and sunny days make us feel better. On the contrary, bad weather can be a reason for feeling down. It’s important to note that there is even a weather-related medical condition known as winter depression. It occurs since the brain is affected by the weather really a lot. Let’s dig deeper into this!
Some scientific studies
According to multiple studies, high temperature and humidity influence neurochemistry in a negative way, so mental performance may become impaired. In particular, scientists assume that thermal stress can result in cognition impairment. This fact was revealed in the research that investigated the impact of thermal stress on soldiers spending at least a year in the desert. The evaluation of cognitive functions, such as attention, concentration, psychomotor performance and verbal memory, showed a significant decline in them compared to normal weather conditions.
Scientists have also researched the impact of dust and sand storms on children’s cognitive function. They used word-recognition tests and mathematical analysis to evaluate cognitive performance and found the decline in both assessments.
Another study has analyzed some data on emergency admissions associated with mental diseases. The researchers considered the information that was gathered over the period of more than 10 years and revealed that high temperatures might be responsible for the exacerbation of the mental illness symptoms. For instance, more than 30% of admissions for anxiety took place during the times of hot temperatures. Hence, exposure to them increases stress hormone levels. Moreover, hot weather may even deregulate the serotonin and dopamine releases, which are necessary to experience the feeling of happiness.
Check fee essay examples about weather conditions
There are so many academic articles about the link between weather and brain functioning that it becomes really difficult to find those that are worth your attention. In fact, this is also a very common topic for student assignments. Instructors often ask young people to create a project or write an essay about current weather conditions and their impact on humans. Therefore, you check some A-level weather essay examples on authoritative websites and find interesting facts there. Besides, excellent college papers will provide you with some statistics obtained from the most famous studies in this field.
Weather conditions and academic performance
According to the numerous reports made by teachers, poor weather conditions dramatically affect pupils’ performance in class. This phenomenon has multiple explanations. First of all, if the weather is too bad, some individuals are not able to attend classes. Especially those who live in distant rural areas often struggle with snowstorm consequences. Even if main roads to the school are clean, it doesn’t mean that students can get there since outlying areas might be heavily snowed in. Obviously, school performance suffers in this case.
Also, reduced physical activity may lead to a drop in grade levels. When the weather doesn’t let teenagers burn off excess energy outside, their ability to stay focused on study materials decreases. It’s especially noticeable with younger students who find it very difficult to sit still for long periods of time. So unfortunately, the lack of physical exercise during the break can negatively affect learning outcomes.
Additionally, the weather can be just a distraction factor. Teachers have noticed that when it’s raining or storming outside, students tend to spend much more time looking out the window than concentrating on lesson materials. It’s more exciting to watch the lighting or snowflakes falling down than to look at the blackboard. Besides, the sound of thunder or raindrops is just distracting itself as it draws our attention no matter what we are doing.
Undoubtedly, mood influences student performance as well. And as you already know, it’s strongly related to weather conditions. Generally, dismal weather makes us feel sad and less motivated. In some cases, it leads to the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Obviously, if one struggles with a bad mood or mental health issues, it’s impossible to be effective in school. Students with SAD usually have an extreme drop in their academic results.
Final thoughts
It’s impossible to deny the link between changes in weather conditions and the academic performance of students. Multiple studies have proven that cognitive abilities are dramatically influenced by the weather. So maybe the education system requires some modifications? It would be much better for students to stay at home during the coldest two months in winter so they are not forced to put much effort into motivating themselves to study.
Author’s BIO
Stella Gary is an academic writer and popular study college for high school students. She helps teenagers deal with their home assignments so they can save time and get higher grades. Stella also teaches students to be more efficient at learning and achieve greater academic outcomes.
